Well, that is a real tricky question...
let's start breaking it down and sorting it out: Are they someone you really and truly like? You can't jump over like, straight to love.
Do you believe the feelings are mutual? Are you sure you're not overlooking their bad points because you are lonely, and you've convinced yourself that "no one is perfect!"! ? Is this someone you really want to be apart of your world? Part of your family? Part of your circle of friends? Do you both want the same things out of the relationship? (If one of you wants to get married and live happily ever after, but the other one just wants casual sex with a really good friend? This probably won't work out in the long run.
) Are the both of you totally accepting of each other? Or, is there a list of things you both want to change about each other? If either or both of you have a "hidden" list of things you want to "fix"? It is not the time to meet your online love.
After the late night, early morning "pillow talk" is over, do you have a lot in common? Even though you haven't met their family and friends, are there some people in their life you just can't stand? Do you have an unspoken, hidden agenda to "weed out" some of their friends? It doesn't get any better from here...
however, If the two of you have learned all that can be learned via emails, instant messaging, phone calls, letters by snail mail...
If both of you have disclosed the majority of issues that could possibly come between you...
If you honestly feel you can and will accept the people in their life that they love...
It is time to take it to the next level...
it is time to meet your online love! Have fun...
and enjoy it! Good luck...